Cricket History

A brief history of the sport of cricket

Cricket is definitely one of the most popular sports in the world. The game has an intriguing history.

In the 17th century before cricket reached North England, it was introduced to North America. Cricket was introduced to other parts of the globe in the 18th century. It reached India and West Indies in the first half on the century followed by Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in the early 19th century.

The basic rules of cricket already existed since time immemorial but innovations, such as middle stump, lbw and maximum width of the bat were added in 1774 when the laws of cricket were amended.

The laws of cricket have changed many times throughout its history. It was only in 1774 that laws of cricket were first written. The bats were different from what we use today. They were long curved pieces of wood. Most of the laws of cricket have changed except one that is the length of the pitch of 22 yards.

Earlier, bowlers use to bowl underarm because overarm bowling was initially illegal. John Willes introduced overarm bowling. Christina Willes, sister of John Willes, tried to bowl underarm. However, when her skirt was getting in the way she bowled with her arm slightly higher and this is how overarm bowling is believed to have evolved.

Development of rail network played an important role in the popularity of cricket in the second half if 19th century. It also helped to increase the popularity of the game as the spectators were able to travel longer distances to watch the matches. The early twentieth century marked the growth and spread of cricket.